title: A study on teenage pregnant mothers attending primary health centers of Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangalore.
abstract: Data were collected from 78 teenage pregnant mothers (15-19 years) out of 1446 pregnant mothers who attended the primary health centers situated in the field practice area of the rural health center, Kengeri of Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangalore, between May and July 2009 to study the factors associated with teenage pregnancies and awareness regarding family planning. This was a descriptive study. Out of 78 teenage pregnant mothers, 57 (73%) were Hindus and 45 (57.7%) belonged to joint families. 76 (97.4%) teenage pregnant mothers were housewives, i.e. 55 (70.5%) of the spouses of the teenage pregnant mothers were laborers, in majority, i.e. 40 (51.3%) teenage pregnant mothers' age at marriage and the age at first pregnancy were 18 years. The mean age at marriage increased significantly with an increase of the educational status of the teenage pregnant mothers (F value = 7.08%, P< 0.002). The mean age at first pregnancy was also increased with an increase of the education status of both the teenage pregnant mothers and their spouse. The most common reason for early marriage and early pregnancy was traditional practices and family pressure among 50 (64%) and 45 (57.7%) teenage pregnant mothers, respectively. 49 (63%) teenage pregnant mothers were not aware of any family planning methods.
authors.affiliation: Department of Community Medicine, Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangalore, India. bgparasuramalu@yahoo.ca.in
authors.forename: B G
authors.initials: BG
authors.lastname: Parasuramalu
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Shakila
authors.forename: Ramesh N R
authors.initials: RN
authors.lastname: Masthi
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D003710:Demography; D005193:Family Planning Services; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D011247:Pregnancy; D011253:Pregnancy in Adolescence; D011320:Primary Health Care; D012424:Rural Population